Wringer



Feb. 14, .1961 N. L. ETTEN WRINGER Filed Feb. 21, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 l 209 GD Niche/0s L. E ffen Feb. 14, 1961 N. L. ETTEN 71, 63

' WRINGER Filed Feb. 21, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Z06 114 ga +1 Ban z crr N. L. ETTEN Feb. 14, 1961 WRINGER 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 21, 1958 N. L. ETTEN Feb. 14, 1961 WRINGER 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 21, 1958 EVE-12 57.2 lV/cho/as Z fffen N. L. ETTEN Feb. 14,1961

WRINGER 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 21, 1958 35272271 A/ic/w/os L. Eff'en United States Patent 2,971,363 WRINGER Nicholas L. Etten, Cedar Falls, Iowa, assignor to Chamberlain Corporation, Waterloo, Iowa, a corporation of Iowa Filed Feb. 21, 1958, SenNo. 716,609 11 Claims. (Cl. 68-263) The present invention relates to improvements in clothes wringing mechanisms and more particularly to an improved pressure mechanism for applying operating pressure to hold the opposed rolls of a clothes wringer together with means for rapidly releasing the pressure and an improved mechanism for resetting the pressure mechanism.

A mechanism of the type embodying the present invention may incorporate a pair of opposed wringer rolls mounted for rotation on parallel axes, with the rolls being held together with a pressure for wringing operation. One of the rolls, usually the lower, is mounted in fixed bearings at its ends, while the upper roll is rotatably mounted in movable bearings, which are held in either a pressure position wherein the rolls are pressed together, or a release position wherein the rolls may be separated. The wringing pressure may be applied to the upPer roll by pressure springs supported in a movable cage with one end of the springs operatively connected to bearings supporting the roll, and at the other end of the spring connected to the cage, so that when the cage is forced downwardly, the springs are compressed to apply a pressure to the movable bearings. When the cage is released, the rollis released for cleaning or under emergency conditions, such as when the operator is in danger of being caught between the wringer rolls. A spring mechanism and cage are supplied for each end of the rolls, and a feature of the present invention is the provision of an operating mechanism for controlling the position of the cages which does not necessitate the use of structural elements which extend across the top of the wringer and enable the upper wringer roll to be completely free of encumbrances above it, so as to provide an open-top wringer. A feature of the invention is to provide a release mechanism and resetting mechanism for the springs and cage at one end only of the wringer, with improved mechanism for controlling the position of the springs and cage at the otherend, while retaining the open-top wringer style. Another feature of the invention is to provide an improved mechanism for locking the cages in pressure position wherein pressure is applied to the wringer rolls, for releasing the cages from locked position, and for again manually resetting the cages.

Accordingly, an objective of the present invention is to provide an improved clothes wringer with a mechanism for applying a pressure to the wringer rolls, for releasing the pressure, and for again resetting the release mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved wringer of the open-top type wherein full visibility of the rolls is possible to increase safety and improve overall operation and to provide a wringer using large coil springs which are operated to allow a greater separation of the rolls during wringing operation, and also when the wringer rolls are released.

An important object of the invention is to provide an improved reset mechanism for a wringer wherein the release apparatus is reset by one simple operation without requiring loosening of tension screws or resetting of tension adjustments.

Another object of the invention is to provide a wringer mechanism with a handy instant touch release which can be released by a gentle manual push from any position, and wherein there is an absence of flying tops or handles which act as hazards to the user or someone in the proximity of the wringer.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved wringer which can be reset by a simple swinging of a reset handle in either a push-down or pull-down reset operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a release mechanism for a wringer wherein moving parts are enclosed so that the operator is in no danger from fast moving parts when the wringer is released.

Other objects and advantages will become more apparent with the disclosure and teachings of the principles of the invention in connection with the description and showing of the preferred embodiments thereof,

in the specification, claims and drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view taken from the bottom of a wringer embodying the principles of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of one end of the wringer and particularly illustrating the pressure locl; and release mechanism and the resetting mechanism; and showing the locking mechanism in release position;

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the wringer mechanism and showing the locking mechanism at locked position;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Figure 3, and illustrating the internal constru ct'ion of the head end of the wringer;

Figure 5 -is a vertical sectional view taken along line YV -of Figure 3, and showing the interior details of construction of the tail end of the wringer mechanism;

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view taken along line VI-VI of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is an elevational view of the head end of a wringer mechanism illustrating an alternative embodiment of the locking and release mechanism; and,

Figure 8 is another view of Figure 7, but illustrating the locking mechanism in release position instead of locked position, as it appears in Figure 7.

.As shown in the drawings:

A wringer is illustrated in the drawings, and includes a pair of wringer rolls 10 and 12 of the usual construction, having soft outer surfaces of rubber or the like. The wringer rolls 10 and 12 are rotatably supported at their ends, and are suitably driven in rotation by a mechanism, not shown, to drive fabric articles, such as clothes or the like, between the rolls for wringing moisturc therefrom. The wringer is provided with a frame 14, having a frame section 16 at the head end of the rolls, and a frame section 18 at the tail end of the rolls, with the frame section being arranged so that the top roll 10 is open and unobstructed at its top, and so that access is readily available to pass fabric articles between the wringer rolls. The wringer assembly is shown in Figure 3, and it will be recognized that substantially all of the intermediate portions of the wringer rolls have been removed from this view for purposes of showing the mechanisms at the ends of the wringer.

The rolls may be provided with an approach tray 20 which guides the fabric articles between the wringer rolls, and the frame end sections 16 and 18 are interconnected by a bridging frame section 22, Figure l, which extends across the wringer beneath the rolls.

The lower wringer roll 12 is rotatably supported on a wringer shaft with the head end 24 of the shaft journaled in a fixed bearing block 26, Figures 4 and 6, and the tail end 28 of the shaft, Figure 5, also supported in a bearing block 30. The bearing blocks 26 and 30 are fixedly supported within the frame sections 16 and 18 and may be formed of material such as an impregnated hard maple. For supporting the bearing 26 at the head end of the wringer, a rectangular metal socket 32 is welded within the frame section 16, and for supporting the bearing 30, a rectangular metal socket 34 is welded within the frame section 18. The sockets are arranged so that the bearings can be lifted therefrom for replacement.

The upper bearings for supporting the upper roller are movable so that the roller can be pressed down against the lower roller 12 or can be moved freely upwardly for separating the rolls. The rolls are separated to draw out the fabric article between the rolls or for safety measures in case a large section of material or article which would damage the article or roll gets caught, or in case operating personnel is in danger of being caught between the rolls.

The upper roll 10 is rotatably supported on a shaft having a head end 36, Figures 4 and 6, which is rotatably supported on a bearing 38. The shaft for the upper roll has a tail end 40, Figure 5, which is supported by a hearing 42. The bearings may be formed of a material such as sintered bronze, which is oil-impregnated. Since the rolls 10 and 12 are forced together in operating position, the bearing pressure on the lower roll is in a downward direction, so that the lower bearings 26 and 30 haveupwardly facing concave bearing surfaces. The reaction force on the upper roll will be in upward direction so that the upper bearings 38 and 40 will have downwardly facing concave bearing surfaces.

The upper bearing 38 at the head end of the wringer is supported within a downwardly facing saddle or yoke member 44, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 6. The bearing 42 at the tail end of the wringer is supported in a similar saddle or yoke member 46, as illustrated in Figure The pressure springs 78, 78 are located within a spring cage 88, which has flanges 90 and 92 turned to extend 5. The yoke 44 at the head end of the wringer is slidably supported between the sides 48 and 50 of the section 16 of the frame. The yoke member 46 at the tail end of the machine is similarly slidably supported between sides 52 and 54 of the frame section 18 at the tail end of the machine. Thus, the upper roll can undulate with vertical movement of the yoke members 44 and 46.

The upper roll is drawn downwardly during operation of the wringer by pressure springs. The pressure springs at the head end of the wringer are shown in the form of a'pair of heavy coil compression springs 55 and 56, positioned beside the shaft ends 24 and 36 of the rolls. As

viewed in Figures 4 and 6, the springs 55 and 56 push downwardly on bolts 58 and 60, which pass through the bearing supporting yoke 44, and are secured thereto. The bolts each receive nuts 62 and 64 which thread onto the bolts and bear against the top of the yoke 44 to press it tightly against washers 66 and 68, secured to the bolts. Thebolts have heads at their lower ends, as illustrated by the head 70 on the bolt 60, Figure 6, and the coil compression springs push downwardly against the heads when the upper ends of the springs are pushed downwardly.

The springs are compressed to a pressure position for purposes of pressing the upper roll 10 down against the lower roll 12 by spring cages provided at both ends of the wringer. The springs 55 and 56 at the head end of the wringer-are located within a spring cage 72, which has flanges 74 and 76 turned inwardly at its upper end to compress downwardly on the tops of the springs. The flanges 74 and 76 have the bolts passing therethrough to allow the cages to slide freely downwardly relative to the bolts 58 and 60.

At the tail end of the wringer, pressure springs 78, 78 are provided which press downwardly on the heads at the lower ends of bolts 80 and 82, which are secured to the yoke 46, carrying the bearing 42 for the tail end of the upper roll 10. The bolts are secured to the yoke 46 by nuts 84 and86.

over the top of the springs 78, 78 whereby the springs may be compressed in a downward direction to apply pressure to the yoke 46.

The spring cages 72 and 88 are slidably mounted in the frame sections with the cage 72 mounted between the sides 48 and 50 of the frame section 16, and the cage 88 slidably mounted between the sides 52 and 54 of the frame section 18.

Pressures are applied simultaneously at both ends of the upper roll 10 by simultaneously forcing down the spring cages 72 and 88. However, a locking and release mechanism is provided only at the head end of the wringer, and mechanism is used to translate motion of the cage at the head end to the cage at the tail end.

For transmitting and translating the motion of the cages, a pair of torsion rods or bars 96 and 98, as shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6, are provided. Torsion bars are pivotally mounted and are supported at the bottom of the wringer frame 14 by spaced straps 102 and 104 extending across the frame sections 16 and 18 at the head and tail ends of thewringer, and having their ends turned upwardly so as to be bolted to the sides 48 and 50 of the frame section at the head end of the wringer and the sides 52and 54 atthe tail end of the wringer. The strap 102 at the head end of the wringer supports the torsion bars and inside of the straps are retaining clips 106 and 108 bolted to project inwardly and downwardly from the sides of the frame section, and to be bolted at their other ends to the strap 102, so as to rotatably retain the torsion rods 96 and 98. At the tail end of the wringer are clips 110 and 112, bolted to extend downwardly from the sides of the frame section 18, and to be bolted at their other ends to the strap 104, so as to rotatably hold the torsion rods 96 and 98in place.

The torsionrods are forcibly rotated by the bearing cage 72 when it is forced downwardly to pressure position, and will transmit this movement to the bearing cage 88 at 'thetail end of the wringer. As illustrated in Figures 1,2 and 6,'the torsion bars 96 and 98 are each provided with a radially projecting arm 114, and 116 respectively, and these arms are forced downwardly by a downwardly facing surface on the spring cage 72 which is provided in the form of a short pin 118, as shown in Figures 1 and 6. The 'pin 118 is held in place between cross plates 120 and 122, which are on the cage and which are spaced so that screws can extend axially through the cross plates to hold the pin 118 in place. The arms 114 and 116, thus, project beneath the cross pin 118, so as to be pivotally forced downwardly when the spring cage 72' is forced downwardly.

All their other ends, the torsion bars 96 and 98 carry a pair of torsion arms 124' and 126, respectively, which engage a surface on the spring cage 88 at the tail end of the wringer to force the cage downwardly. This surface faces upwardlyand isfound on a pin 128, which 18 mounted between downwardly extending plates and 132 on the cage 88. It will be seen from Figure 1, that when the torsion bars 96 and 98 are rotated, that the arms 124 and 126 will be brought down on top of the pin 128 to force the cage 88 downwardly.

The cage 72 is at the head end of the wringer and is held in locked pressure position by a locking linkage 134, which is movable between locked position and release position, and in release position the cage will be permitted tomove upwardly to release position to thereby release the roll 10 for separating the rolls. The locking linkage 134 is also reset at the head end of the wringer, and the forces for locking or resetting are trans mitted through the torsion rods 96 and 98 to the cage at the 'tfiil'e'nd of the wringer. v v

As illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 6, the locking linkage 134 includes-aplurality of'links' with a first upper lin1 ..1:3:6beii g pivotally connected to the. frame 14 by amines pivot pins 138, 138 mounted on brackets 140, 140 on the frame. The link 136 is in the shape of a clevis having a connecting back portion 142 with sides 144 and 146, as shown in Figure 4. The locking linkage is provided at the head end of the wringer having a series of three links, each having a back with sides on each side of the frame pivoted on the frame, as viewed in Figure 4. The first link 136 connects to a second or an intermediate link 147. The side 144 of the first link 136 connects to side 148 of the intermediate link at one side of the frame, and the other side 146 of the first link 136 connects to the other side 150 of the intermediate link at the other side of the frame. The second intermediate link 148 is connected to the first link 136 by a pivotal pin 152. The sides of the intermediate link 150 are connected to the sides of the first link 136 by a pivotal pin 152 which extends across the end of the frame. The sides 148 and 150 of the intermediate link are connected by an integral back member 162 which extends across the end of the frame of the wringer.

Connected to the lower end of the intermediate link 147 is a third or lower link 153. The sides 148 and 150 of the intermediate link 147 are connected to sides 154 and 156 of the lower link 153 by pivotal pins 158 and 160, respectively. The sides 154 and 156 of the lower link 153 are connected by an integral back memher 164. i

The first or upper link 136, the second or intermediate link 147, and the third or lower link 153, comprise the locking linkage 134, and are movable between a locked position, wherein the links are arranged in a substantially straight line over-center position, and a release position where they are buckled. The locked position is shown in Figures 3 and 6, and the release position is shown in Figure 2.

When the links are forced to the right, as shown in the drawings, to their locked position, the lower links 147 and 153 are stopped from passing any further than the locked, over-center position by a limit stop, which is in the form of lugs 166 and 168, Figures 2, 3 and 4, 1

which are secured to the arms 154 and 156 of the lower link 153. The lugs are spaced below the pivot pins 158 and 160 interconnecting links 147 and 153, so that they are engaged by the lower end of the sides 148 and 150 of the link 147.

The upper link 136 and the intermediate link 147 are prevented from relatively pivoting past their slightly over-center position when moving to the locked position, by the back 142 of the upper link 136 striking the back member 162 which joins the sides 148 and 150 of the intermediate link. Figure 2 shows the linkage in the release position and Figures 3 and 6 show the linkage in the locked position.

The series of links forming the locking linkage 134 is kicked to its release position by a release bell crank 172, Figures 4 and 6. The release bell crank 172 has sides 174 and 176 which form the upper arms of the bell crank and which are bridged by a bridging member 178. The lower arms of the bell crank have an interconnecting back 180, Figure 6, which, when the bell crank is pivoted about its pivotal support pin 182, will engage the back 164 of the lower link 153, and kick the link outwardly to release position.

1 The linkage assembly 134 will then jump outwardly or to the left, as shown in the drawings.

As soon as the toggle linkage 134 moves to release position, the spring cage 72 is free to move upwardly to release the tension on the springs 55 and 56. The pin 161. slides upwardly in the slot 162 with upward movement of the cage. The spring cage at the tail end of the machine, is, of course, also free to move upwardly by virtue of. the pivotal movement of the torsion rods 96 and 98, and thus the upper roll will immediately be released.

Referring again to Figure 2', as soon as the locking link 6 age 134 moves to release position, theupper link 136- will swing upwardly to the position shown, and the lower link 153 and the intermediate link 147 will be snapped back to their over-center locked position as caused by the operation of a spring 174a. The spring 174a is secured to the side of the frame 14 by a bolt 176a and hooks into an opening 178a in the intermediate link 147. The spring 174a, therefore, urges the second and third links back to locked position. To bring the entire linkage back to locked position, the upper link 136 is pivoted downwardly by operation of the resetting handle 180.

Returning to the release of the locking linkage 134, release is normally obtained manually by the operator pushing inwardly on one of the release bars 181 or 182. Each of the bars is shaped to have a horizontal section, as indicated at 184, for the bar 181 in. Figure l. The horizontal section is bent downwardly to vertical sections 186 and 188, Figure 3, and the vertical sections are turned inwardly to form ends 190 and 192, Figures 4 and 5. The end 190, Figures 3 and 5, passes through an opening 194 in the side 54 of the frame section 18, and is provided with a notch 195 in its upper surface to lock over the upper edge of the opening 194. A plate 196 is fastened beneath the end 190 to push the notch up over the top of the opening and thereby lock the release bar 181 in place.

The other end 182 is similarly constructed, Figures 2 and 4, but is longer so as to project over the bridging member 178 in order to pivot downwardly to pivot the bell crank 172 when the bar is manually pivoted. The end 192 also has a notch 198 which locks over the upper edge of an opening 200 through which the end 192 passes. A plate 202 is bolted beneath the bar over the opening 200 to maintain the notch 198 locked over the upper edge of the opening. The bar 182 at the other side of the wringer is similarly constructed and need not be described in detail, and has a projecting end 204 which is also located on top of the bridging member 178 for operating the release bell crank 172.

For resetting the wringer after it has been tripped or released, the handle 180 is pulled downwardly about a pivotal support pin 206 which mounts it on a bracket 205 on the frame. The handle 18!) is connected to the locking linkage by a reset link 208 which is pivotally connected at its lower end by a pivotal pin 207 to the reset handle 180, and at its upper end to the first link 136. For this purpose, the first linkhas a cross pin 210 which projects through an elongated slot 212 in the reset link 208. Washers 214, 214 are carried at the outer ends of the pin 210. The slot 212 permits pivotal movement of the upper link 136, when the locking linkage 134 is moved to release position. When the reset handle 180 is pulled downwardly, the link 2513 will pull the upper link 136 downwardly to move the reset linkage back to the locked position shown in Figures 3 and 6. The reset handle 180 is then pivoted back to its vertical position. Pin 209, attached to the inner face of the handle, strikes the end of the wringer frame to limit the return movement of the handle and stop it in upright position. The pin 209 and the back of the link 153 are of course positioned so that the pin 209' will not prevent the link 153 from pivoting to its release position.

It will be noted that the reset handle 188 is formed to have a hollow inner face or form a channel 214, Figure 6. This channel is faced so that the locking linkage 134 can move into the channel when it springs to release position. The broad handle will protect operating personnel so that the moving linkage cannot cause injury. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative form of locking linkage and reset mechanism. The locking linkage is illustrated at 216 and includes a series of three links. An upper or first link is illustrated at 218 and is pivotally supported at its upper end on a pin 220, extending through a bracket 222 on the frame 14.

Below the link 218 is a second or intermediate link 224,

7 which is pivotally connected at its upper end to the first link 218 by a pin 226. At its lower end the intermediate link is connected to a third or lower link 228 by a pivotal pin 230.

It will be understood that the three links 218, 224 and 228 have construction similar to the links shown in the embodiment pictured in Figures 1 through 6, so that each of the links have side pieces on each side of the frame, which are connected by a backing member extending across the end of the frame. For ease of illustration, only one side of the links is shown, inasmuch as the other side is of identical construction.

The lower link 228 is connected to the pin 161 which extends through the elongated slots 162 and connects to the spring cage. I The linkage 216 is shown in its locked position in Figure 7 wherein the links are in substantially straight line, but slightly over-center, position. In this position, the pivotal interconnecting pins 226 and 230 lie inside of a straight line joining the upper pin 220 and the lower pin 161, so that the toggle links will remain in this over-center position. As with the previous embodiment, the links are forced to the left to release position, as shown in Figure 8.

The wringer rolls are released by a release bell crank 232 which is pivotally supported on a pin 234 mounted on the frame 14. The bell crank 232 has an upper arm 236 which is engaged by the inner end of the release bar 181 to pivot the bell crank to release position. The release bar 181 works in the same manner as was described in connection with Figures 1 to 6.

When the bell crank 232 is pivoted downwardly into the position shown in Figure 8, which is the release position, a lower arm 238 of the bell crank pushes against a flat back 240 of the lower link 228 to push the link to the left. As soon as the connecting pin 230 moves past the center position, the intermediate link 225 and the lower link 228 will spring outwardly to the release position, releasing the spring cage and the upper wringer roll.

The linkage is reset by a reset handle 242 which is an integral part of the upper link 218. The handle 242 extends downwardly and is formed of sheet metal or the like, having a hollow interior 243 to provide a place for the linkage to spring to in release position and protect the operator.

The lower end of the reset handle has a projection 244 which engages a face 246 of the frame thereby limiting the pivotal movement of the upper link 218 in its movement toward over-center locked position.

For locking the linkage and returning it from its released position, as shown in Figure 8, the handle 242 is lifted upwardly. As the upper link 218 swings upwardly, the intermediate link 224 and lower link 228 will spring back to locked position under the action of a reset spring 248. The reset spring is connected between a bolt 250 on the frame and an opening 252 on the intermediate link 224 so as to continually urge the two lower links to reset position.

To complete resetting the linkage, after the reset handle 242 has been lifted upwardly, it is again pulled downwardly whereupon the linkage is forced downwardly to force the spring cage downwardly and reset the release mechanism.

Although the operation of the mechanism will be clear from the description of the individual elements and their function, a brief summary of operation will be helpful in understanding the advantages and objectives of the invention. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the wringer rolls 18 and 12 operate in the usual manner, being driven in rotation, and having garments passed between them to squeeze moisture therefrom. The upper roll is pulled down by spring pressure exerted on the bearings '38 and 42 and on the shaft 36, Figures 1, 4 and 6, and 40, Figure 5. Pressure is applied to the bearings through coil compression springs 55 and 56 at the head end of the machine, and compression springs 78, 78 at the tail end of the machine. These springs apply pressure to a saddle or yoke member carrying the bearings and are compressed by vertically moving spring cages 72 and 88, respectively. The cage 72 at the head end of the machine is operated by locking linkage, and the movement of the cage is transmitted to the opposite end by torsion rods 96 and 98 which are rotated. The cage at the head end of the machine rotates arms 114 and 116 on the torsion shafts and arms 124 and 126 at the other end, pulling the other cage downwardly, or releasing it. The cage at the head end is held in locked position by a series of three over-center toggle links 136, 147 and 153. The toggle linkage is released by a bell crank 172 which is pivoted in a clockwise direction, as shown in Figure 6, by one of the release bars 181 or 182 being manually pivoted. When the toggle linkage is forced to the left, it springs to release position to release the spring cages and the upper roll. For resetting, the reset handle 180 is pulled down to'draw down on the link 208 and pull the upper link 136 downwardly to its over-center position, thereby pushing downwardly on the lower links 147 and 153 to again lock the spring cage in pressure position.

Thus, it will be seen that we have provided an improved wringer mechanism employing a pressure apparatus which can be released and reset and which meets the objectives and advantages hereinbefore set forth. The mechanism obtains a wringer structure having an open top for improved safety and improved operational characteristics.

An improved and simplified locking and reset mechanism is employed used at one end of the wringer. Movement of the pressure applying spring cage is transmitted to another cage at the other end of an improved and simplified mechanism.

Improved locking and reset mechanisms are employed which enable the wringer pressure device to be reset after being released, without adjustment and with a simple swinging motion of a handle. There need be no preliminary releasing and resetting of screw adjustments and the resetting mechanism is simple to manufacture and assemble. Further, it is arranged to provide an at tractive appearance and use a minimum of space. The handle, in addition to providing simple resetting, also acts as a protective device.

I have, in the drawings and specification, presented a detailed disclosure of the preferred embodiment of my invention, and it is to be understood that I do not intend to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but intend to cover all modifications, changes and alternative constructions falling within the scope of the principles taught by my invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. A clothes wringer comprising a first wringer roll being rotatably supported at each end, a second wringer roll being rotatably supported at each end, spring means at each end of said rolls for applying a tensioning pressure to urge said rolls together for wringing operation, first and second pressure members, each at an end of the rolls, movable between pressure and release position,

and operative when moved to cause said spring means to apply pressure to urge said rolls together, a resetting handle connected to the first pressure member to move said first pressure member to pressure position, a torsion rod extending parallel to the wringer rolls rotatable between pressure and release position, a first arm mounted on one end of the torsion rod and positioned to be moved to pivot the rod to pressure position when the resetting handle moves the first pressure member to pressure position, said first arm free of connection to said first pressure member, and a second arm at the other end of said torsion rod positioned to move said second pressure member at the other end of the rolls to pressure position when said rod is pivoted .to pressureposition.

2. A clothes wringer mechanism comprising in combination first and second mating wringer rolls positioned to carry material therebetween for wringing moisture therefrom, a first pressure applying means at one end of the rolls for urging the rolls together in a pressure position and for releasing the rolls to a release position, a second pressure applying means at the other end of the rolls for urging the rolls together in a pressure position and releasing the rolls to a release position, a locking means for said first pressure applying means connected to move the first pressure applying means to pressure position when in locked position and to permit movement of said first pressure applying means to release position when in release position, a pair of substantially parallel torsion rods located displaced from one of said wringer rolls and positioned on opposite sides of said pressure applying means, a first pair of torsion arms projecting toward each other and each connected to one of said torsion rods to project into the path of said first pressure applying means and being free of connection thereto whereby said torsion rods are pivoted when the torsion arms are engaged by said first pressure applying means, and a second pair of torsion arms projecting toward each other with eachconnected to one of said torsion rods and located in the path of movement of said second pressure applying means and adapted to engage said second pressure applying means with pivotal movement of said torsion rods whereby said second pressure applying means will be moved by said second torsion arms corresponding to the movement of said first pressure applying means.

3. A clothes wringer mechanism comprising in combination first and second mating wringer rolls extending parallel and in position to cooperate in wringing action, bearing means for said rolls including fixed bearings for one of said rolls and movable bearings for the other of said rolls, a wringer frame supporting said fixed bearings, pressure applying springs at first and second ends of said rolls attached to said movable bearings for applying pressure to force the rolls together, movable cages at the first and second ends of the rolls connected to the springs and movable between a release position wherein the spring pressure is released and an operating position wherein the pressure of the springs on the bearings is increased to apply pressure between said rolls, an overcenter toggle linkage connected between the cage at the first end of the rolls and the frame and movable between a release position wherein the cage is permitted to move to release position and an over-center locked position wherein the cage is at operating position, a resetting handle pivotally mounted on the frame and connected to said toggle linkage and operable to force said toggle linkage to locked position, a pressure release tripping member mounted on the frame and operable to force said toggle linkage to release position, a torsion rod extending parallel to said wringer rolls, a torsion arm on one end of said torsion rod positioned in the path of the cage at the first end of the rolls to be engaged thereby as the cage moves to operating position whereby the torsion rod is pivoted, and a torsion arm on the torsion rod positioned to engage the cage at the second end of the rolls and move it to operating position as the torsion rod is rotated whereby the cages at the ends of the rolls are maintained in corresponding positions.

4. A clothes wringer assembly comprising in combination a pair of opposed rotary clothes wringer rolls extending in adjacent mating relationship, bearings for supporting the rolls including movable bearings for the ends of one of the rolls, pressure applying springs at each end of the rolls operatively connected to said movable bearings, movable cages connected to each of said springs at the ends of the rolls and movable between a release position wherein the rolls may be moved apart and a pressure position wherein the springs apply pressure to the movable bearings to hold the rolls together, means guiding the cages in the direction of movement of the bearings, a wringer frame, a toggle linkage including first and second and third links with the third link being pivotally connected to the cage at one end of the wringer rolls, and the first link being pivotally connected to the frame with the second link pivotally connected in tandem between said first and third links, means for blocking movement of the links in one direction in an overcenter locked position wherein said cage at said one end is in pressure position, wringer release means operative to engage said toggle links and force them in the other direction away from said locked position whereby said cage may move to release position, a. reset handle pivotally mounted on said frame, a reset link pivotally connected between said first toggle link and said handle for drawing said first link to locked position with movement of the handle, and a pin and slot connection between said reset link and one of said first link and handle members whereby said first link may pivot away from locked position without restraint from said handle.

5. A clothes wringer assembly comprising in combination a pair of parallel extending wringer rolls, a pair of fixed bearings supporting one of the rolls at its ends, a frame forsupporting said bearings, movable bearings supporting the other of said rolls, springs at each end of the rolls attached to the movable bearings to apply pressure thereto to urge said rolls together, a cage at each end of the rolls connected to said springs and movable between a release position wherein the rolls are not urged together and a pressure position wherein the springs urge the rolls together, a toggle linkage connected between at least one of said cages and the frame and including a first link pivotally connected to the frame, a

second intermediate link pivotally connected to the first link, and a third link pivotally connected to the second link and to the cage, a handle member rigidly connected to said first link whereby a manual pressure may be ap plied to pivot said first link, stop means limiting the movement of the links to a locked position wherein they are aligned along substantially a straight line but are in an over-center position to hold the cage in pressure position, and a spring means urging said second and third links to locked position whereby said second and third links will move automatically to locked position and said first link will be forced to lock by said handle member.

6. A clothes wringer assembly comprising in combination a frame member, a pair of wringer rolls extending parallel within said frame member, bearings for the ends of one of said rolls mounted in said frame member, movable bearings for the other of said rolls, movable pressure applying means connected to said movable bearings and movable between a release position and a pressure position, a toggle linkage for locking the pressure applying means in pressure position including a first link pivotally connected to said frame, a second intermediate link pivotally connected to said first link, a third link pivotally connected to said second link and to said pressure applying means, a handle rigidly connected to one of said first and third links, said links movable between a locked position in substantially straight line overcenter alignment wherein the pressure applying means is in pressure position and a release position wherein the pressure applying means is in release position, spring means urging the other of said first and third links to locked position, limit means stopping the movement of said other of said first and third links in locked position, and means on said frame cooperating with said handle member and limiting the pivotal movement thereof when said one of said first and third links reaches locked position.

7. A clothes wringer pressure control mechanism for applying a substantially equal pressure to bring the rolls together of a clothes wringer comprising in combination a first cage at a first end of the wringer rolls for applying pressure between the rolls and movable between a pres 11 sure position and a release position, a second cage at the second end of the rolls for applying a pressure to urge the'rolls together and movablebetween a pressure position and a release position, a locking means operatively connected to said first cage to move it and hold it in pressure position, means for releasing said locking means, a motion transmitting mechanism for moving said second cage simultaneously with said first cage and including a torsion rod extending between said first and second ends of the rolls and having a first torsion arm extending at substantially right angles to the torsion rod in the path of the first cage and being free of connection to the cage and having a second torsion arm extending at substantially right angles to the torsion rod with the second cage positioned in the path of said second torsion arm to be moved with pivotal movement of the torsion rod corresponding to movement of the first cage.

" 8. A clothes wringer comprising a pair of wringer rolls'extending parallel to rotate in cooperative wringing relationship, bearing means for supporting the rolls including movable bearings for one of the rolls, a cage,

' means for guiding the cage in movement in the direction of the bearings, a pressure spring between the cage and one of said bearings, said cage movable between a release position and a pressure position, a frame supporting said bearing means, a toggle linkage having a link at each end and at least one link in the center with the links pivotally interconnected in tandem with the link at one end of the linkage pivotally connected to said frame and theslink at the other end pivotally connected to said cage, means for'holding each of the joints between the links in locked position wherein said cage is held in said pressure position, means for releasing said links to move to a release position wherein said cage may move to said release position, and spring means connected to the frame 10. A, clothes wringer comprisinga pair of wringer rolls extending parallel to rotate in cooperative wringing relationship, bearing means for supporting the rolls including movable bearings for one of the rolls, a movable cage connected to one of said movable bearings and movable between a release position and a pressure position, means guiding the cage in movement in the direction of movement of the bearings, a frame supporting said bearing means, a toggle linkage having three links pivotally interconnected in tandem with the link at one end of the linkage pivotally connected to said frame and the link at the other end pivotally connected to said cage, spring means connected to the frame and urging the joint between a first and second of said links to a locked position so that they will automatically move to locked position i when free .of forces preventing such movement, means and urging the joint between two of said links to said locked position whereby they will automatically move to locked position when free of forces preventing such movementand whereby the linkage may be moved to locked position by merely moving other joints between the links to locked position.

9. A clothes wrmger comprising a pair of wringer rolls extending parallel to rotate in cooperative wringing rela tio ship, bearing means for supporting the rolls including movable bearings for one of the rolls, a movable cage connected to one of said movable bearings and movable between a release position and a pressure position, means guiding the cage in movement in the direction of movement of the bearings, a frame supporting said bearings, a toggle linkage having more than two links pivotally interconnected in tandem with the link at one end of the linkage pivotally connected to said frame and the link at the other'end pivotally connected to said cage, means for holding the links in a locked position wherein said cage is held in said pressure. position, means for releasing said links to move to a release position wherein said page may move to said release position, and a reset handle means mounted on said frame and connected to at least one of the links to force it to locked position.

for holding the links in the locked position wherein said cage is held in said pressure position, means for releasing said links to move to a release position wherein said cage may move to said release position, a reset handle pivotally mounted on said frame for resetting said linkage, and a reset link connected between said handle and the third of said links whereby said third link can be forced to locked position.

I 11. A clothes wringer comprising a pair of wringer rolls extending parallel to rotate in cooperative wringing relationship, bearing means for supporting the rolls ineluding movable bearings for one of the rolls, a movable cage connected to one of said movable bearings and movable between a release position and a pressure position,

means guiding the cage in movement in the direction of movement of the bearings, a frame supporting said bearing means, a toggle linkage having more than two links pivotally interconnected in tandem with the link at one end of the linkage pivotally connected to said frame and the link at the other end pivotally connected to said cage, means for holding the links in a locked position wherein said cage is held in said pressure position, means for releasing said links to move to a release position wherein said'cage may move to said release position, and a reset handle connected to at least one of the links to move it to locked position, said handle formed with a recess facing said linkage to receive the linkage when it moves to release position. 7

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,906,841 Conarroe May 2, 1933 2,292,933 Etten Aug. 11, 1942 2,313,134 Etten Mar. 9, 1943 2,544,309 Gabrielson Mar. 6, 1951 2,638,768 Etten May 19, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 130,834 Australia Jan. 10, 1949 618,066 Great Britain Feb. 16, 1949 

